I was just wondering if the Prime minister on The
Dish was based on a real prime minister or if he was fictional, and please don't tell me this has been posted 10000000000 times because i have a life so i would not know
Hello danhock,
In response to your question, I can advise that the Australian Prime Minister at the time of the moon-walk was John Gorton.
Based on my recollection of the character in the film (it has been a while since I last saw it) and my knowledge of John Gorton, I would offer the opinion that there is NOT an obvious link between the two ... although at least one of Mr Gorton's successors does come to mind as being a little closer to the mark.
John Gorton was a fighter pilot during WWII (and received permanent facial injuries as a result of a crash landing). If my memory is correct, in asomewhat unusual move for those who attain positions of high office, he used his casting vote to put himself out of office following a tied party room vote of no confidence in 1971.
More information about John Gorton is available at
http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/meetpm.asp?pmId=19
Hope this helps!
[deleted]
John Gorton was PM. He did not visit Parkes during the mission, but DID visit Honeysuckle Creek, the main tracking station. See my http://www.pcug.org.au/~mdinn/TheDish/index.htm
for a link to a pic of him at HSK
Mike Dinn
ex HSK Deputy Director
You have to wonder how the character "Prime Minister" in this movie would have ever been elected to anything. His personality is horrible.
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I could care less, but I don’t care enough to bother.
Trust me, there have been much more horrible men who have been democratically elected to high office...
Supermodels...spoiled stupid little stick figures mit poofy lips who sink only about zemselves.